[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 14 (Monday, January 27, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H143-H147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 26) honoring the contributions of Catholic schools, 
as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 26

       Whereas America's Catholic schools are internationally 
     acclaimed for their academic excellence, but provide students 
     more than a superior scholastic education;
       Whereas Catholic schools ensure a broad, values-added 
     education emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, 
     intellectual, physical, and social values in America's young 
     people;
       Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for 
     the 2001-2002 academic year was 2,616,330, and the student-
     teacher ratio is 17 to 1;
       Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students;
       Whereas more than 26 percent of school children enrolled in 
     Catholic schools are minorities, and more than 13 percent are 
     Non-Catholics;
       Whereas Catholic schools produce students strongly 
     dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities 
     by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich 
     in spiritual, character, and moral development; and
       Whereas in the 1972 pastoral message concerning Catholic 
     education, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops 
     stated, ``Education is one of the most important ways by 
     which the Church fulfills its commitment to the dignity of 
     the person and building of community. Community is central to 
     education ministry, both as a necessary condition and an 
     ardently desired goal. The educational efforts of the Church, 
     therefore, must be directed to forming persons-in-community; 
     for the education of the individual Christian is important 
     not only to his solitary destiny, but also the destinies of 
     the many communities in which he lives'': Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event 
     co-sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association 
     and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and 
     established to recognize the vital contributions of America's 
     thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools; and
       (2) congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and 
     teachers across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to 
     education, and for the key role they play in promoting and 
     ensuring a brighter, stronger future for this Nation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Delaware (Mr. Castle) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle).


                             General Leave

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 26.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Delaware?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 26, which 
recognizes the contribution of America's Catholic elementary and 
secondary schools and congratulates these schools, students, teachers 
and parents for their dedication to education in our country.
  I would like to thank the sponsor of the legislation, the gentleman 
from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter), and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), 
the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for 
bringing this resolution to the floor today.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to share some remarkable facts about 
Catholic

[[Page H144]]

schools. They are widely acclaimed for their academic success. For 
example, the graduation rate of Catholic schools students is about 95 
percent, while less than 5 percent of Catholic high school students 
drop out of school, and over 80 percent of Catholic high school 
graduates go on to college.
  Catholic schools also teach a diverse group of students. Over 26 
percent of students enrolled are minorities.
  Catholic schools provide more than just an excellent scholastic 
education. They emphasize and promote the lifelong development of a 
student's moral, intellectual, physical, and social values. They 
produce students dedicated to their faith, values, families, and 
communities.
  In Delaware, I am proud of the contributions of the 32 Catholic 
schools that operate there. There are too many to name, so I will 
insert a list of those schools in the Record.

       Archmere Academy, Christ Our King School, Christ the 
     Teacher Catholic School, Corpus Christi School, Holy Angels 
     School, Holy Cross Elementary School, Holy Rosary School, 
     Holy Spirit School, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Our Lady 
     of Fatima School, Our Lady of Grace Kindergarten, Padua 
     Academy, Salesianum School, St. Ann's School, St. Anthony of 
     Padua Grade School, St. Catherine of Siena School, St. 
     Edmond's Academy, St. Elizabeth's Elementary School, St. 
     Elizabeth's High School, St. Hedwig Elementary School, St. 
     Helena School, St. John The Beloved School, St. Joseph's 
     Academy, St. Mark's High School, St. Mary Magdalen School, 
     St. Matthew's School, St. Paul's School, St. Peter School, 
     St. Peter's Cathedral School, St. Thomas More Academy, St. 
     Thomas The Apostle School, and Ursuline Academy.

  Each one of these schools is following a long tradition of educating 
students to be the future leaders in our society. I offer them my 
gratitude for their dedication to this tradition.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this straightforward 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, today's resolution recognizes the contributions of 
Catholic schools. Mr. Speaker, I attended Catholic schools myself. I 
received a high-quality education from these schools and have benefited 
greatly. Also, children all across America have benefited from a 
Catholic education. Certainly, we can all agree that Catholic schools 
are a strong and positive force in America's educational system.
  Fortunately, the great, truly great, aspect of the American education 
system is its diversity. The goal of the American education system, 
both public and private, is to provide anyone in any city, in any 
State, with the opportunity to succeed.
  The educational recipe for success in our country certainly includes 
Catholic schools, schools with other religious focuses and nonreligious 
private schools, along with our public schools. It is this variety, 
this diversity, that truly makes American education powerful and makes 
American education successful in its mission.
  Mr. Speaker, today we are recognizing the educational and societal 
contributions that Catholic schools make to our Nation. I believe we 
must recognize the importance and value that all pieces of our 
educational system have in the lives of our children.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana 
(Mr. Vitter) for introducing this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter).
  Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Catholic schools for 
their continuing contributions to educating young Americans. Catholic 
schools impact not only the intellectual life of our Nation's youth but 
also their moral, physical and social lives and truly are a major 
component in instilling the proper values in the next generation.
  This year, more than 2.5 million students in the U.S. will be 
enriched by their Catholic school education. America's Catholic schools 
are internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence and can 
boast a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to one, but the impact of 
Catholic schools is far broader and more far reaching than even that.
  More than 26 percent of 2.5 million school children enrolled in 
Catholic schools are minorities. More than 13 percent are non-
Catholics, and again, it is tremendously important to the moral, the 
value-based life of our country.
  My wife, Wendy, and I are both graduates of Catholic schools, and we 
realize perhaps because of that the special value Catholic schools 
provide to an education. That is why we chose to enroll our three 
daughters in Catholic schools and intend to do the same for our young 
son, Jack, when he is of age.
  Because I believe so strongly in the value and contribution of 
Catholic schools, I joined with so many others here and introduce House 
Resolution 26, which supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week.
  Again, I congratulate Catholic schools, parents and teachers for 
their tremendously important role in ensuring a brighter, stronger 
future for our Nation. I thank them for the hard work and dedication 
that is put into educating the youth of our country. I thank them, in 
particular, for instilling important, deep-seated values in the next 
generation of Americans.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne).
  Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in concurrence with House 
Resolution 26.
  I think most of us realize the excellence of private schools, 
particularly the Catholic schools around the country that are 
internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence and provide 
students more than a superior scholastic education because they are 
very interested in value-added education, emphasizing a lifelong 
dedication to moral, intellectual, physical, and social values in 
America's young people. Certainly in our society today, a strong sense 
of values and character is critical.
  As has been mentioned previously, the total Catholic school student 
enrollment for the 2001-2002 academic year is over 2.6 million; and of 
course the student-teacher ratio is critical in any educational 
setting, and a ratio of 17 to 1 is truly admirable and does provide for 
a much better academic environment.
  Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students. Roughly one-
fourth of the students who enrolled in Catholic schools are minorities, 
and more than 13 percent are non-Catholics.
  We feel that the Catholic schools of the United States provide a 
tremendous service to all people who are interested in education and 
would like to commend them, and I urge support of House Resolution 26.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter).
  Mr. VITTER. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to spend just a few extra minutes 
thanking all of the many colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the 
House, Democrats and Republicans, for joining together in supporting 
this resolution and for honoring Catholic Schools Week. I think in so 
many ways Catholic schools are really vital to the education of our 
youth and vital to the intellectual and moral and values-based life of 
our country. I wanted to highlight just a couple of ways, though, I 
think Catholic schools are so healthy and so important.
  Really, when we get right down to it, they are the main reasons Wendy 
and I have decided to send our kids to Catholic schools; and they go 
right to the heart of the contribution Catholic schools make to the 
life of our country.
  One is something I touched on, and that is, Catholic schools offer a 
great value-based education. In my archdiocese in southeast Louisiana, 
the motto, the PR slogan, if you will, for the archdiocese school 
system is ``Catholic schools, an education of value.''

                              {time}  1615

  It is so true, and it is a play on words, of course, because it means 
at least two things: One is that it is a wonderful education; a 
wonderful nonpublic education. And of course nonpublic private school 
educations can often be extraordinarily prohibitively expensive. But in 
our archdiocese, and in virtually all across the country,

[[Page H145]]

Catholic schools offer a really solid education at a reasonable price. 
So it certainly is an education of value in that sense.
  Of course, even more importantly, and an even more compelling reason 
so many parents send their kids to Catholic schools, is that it is an 
education rooted in a sense of values. And it is not simply 1 period of 
religion a day, and it is not simply going to mass 1 day a week or 1 
day every other week. It is the whole atmosphere which really embodies 
loving, Christian principles, and it is a wonderful, loving, nurturing 
environment for any child, Catholic or non-Catholic, to be brought up 
in and educated in.
  So that sense of values really is so important and such a mainstay of 
the important contribution Catholic schools make to the life of our 
country. I think it is something we can all learn from, whether we are 
helping improve education in the public sector or in any other sector. 
I think it is something over the last 10 years in particular we have 
begun to appreciate much more deeply, and that is that educating our 
children is not merely an intellectual exercise. It has to be a value-
laden exercise. And we should not apologize for that in whatever 
setting.
  Of course, if we are in the public school setting, there are limits 
to how we pass on those values, and we cannot do them in a way which 
endorses one religion over another or religion over nonreligion. But 
surely there is still plenty of room within that constitutional 
framework to offer kids in every setting an education rooted in 
positive, important values.
  The second aspect of Catholic schools that I think is so important 
and so beneficial, which really goes to the heart of Wendy and my 
decision to send our kids, is that it is a very diverse environment 
that our kids find themselves in, particularly compared to other 
private school settings. So often in nonpublic school settings, 
particularly schools which are prohibitively expensive, you end up 
having a very narrow part of the community represented in that school. 
Those schools are super schools, and they do an excellent job 
academically, and certainly kids there are great and bright and 
talented. But it is so healthy in so many ways for kids to be exposed 
to a more diverse cross-section of the whole community 
socioeconomically, and certainly Catholic schools offer that. The 
enrollment of minority and other students in Catholic schools is very, 
very significant, and Catholic schools play such a positive and 
instrumental role in reaching out to those minority and other families.
  So those are two of the key reasons, I think, Catholic schools make 
such a contribution to the life of our country. And as I said, those 
are the same reasons why we made the personal decision to send our kids 
there.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the chairman of the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce.
  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Delaware for 
yielding me this time and congratulate he and the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Kildee) for bringing this resolution to the floor today 
on behalf of the committee.
  I rise in strong support of House Resolution 26, which recognizes and 
honors the contribution of Catholic schools in the United States. I 
commend the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter) for his leadership in 
sponsoring this legislation.
  Catholic schools throughout our Nation have a well-earned and an 
internationally acclaimed tradition of academic excellence, and I am 
pleased to join all my colleagues today in recognizing them. We are 
honoring and congratulating Catholic schools, their students, parents 
and teachers for their ongoing contributions to education and the vital 
role that they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger 
future for this Nation.
  This week is National Catholic Schools Week, and it is fitting that 
we focus on the important role that Catholic schools play in providing 
a well-rounded education for America's young people, one that gives 
special attention to the academic, moral and social development of our 
children.
  The theme of this year's week is ``Catholic Schools: Making a World 
of Difference.'' This theme is clear in what one Catholic student wrote 
in an essay to celebrate this week when he said, ``Most importantly, a 
Catholic school is a community of individuals; teachers, parents, 
students, who actively participate in enriching young people's 
educational lives.''
  I am impressed with how all Catholic schools emphasize intellectual, 
spiritual, moral and social values and produce well-rounded citizens. 
Catholic schools teach both students academic knowledge and real-life 
lessons in service to mankind and respect for one's neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, I can personally attest to the outstanding contributions 
and dedication of Catholic schools, as I am a proud product of Catholic 
schools in Ohio, having attended Sts. Peter & Paul Elementary School in 
Reading, Ohio, and Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati. From 
this strong foundation I then went on to graduate from Xavier 
University, which is also located in Cincinnati.
  In the great State of Ohio, Catholic schools have made a positive 
impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of students. For example, 
Fenwick High School in Middletown, Ohio, Chaminade-Julienne High School 
in Dayton, Ohio, and Badin High School in Hamilton, Ohio, are excellent 
examples of schools that have profoundly influenced the lives of their 
students and continue to make significant contributions to their 
communities.
  The top priority in the last Congress for the Committee on Education 
and the Workforce was the No Child Left Behind Act, a landmark 
reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which 
provides services and benefits to both public and private schools. 
Across our country, many Catholic schools participate in these programs 
and activities under the act. The primary goal of No Child Left Behind 
is to improve academic achievement for all students and thereby close 
the achievement gap that exists between disadvantaged students and 
their peers. Unfortunately, these gaps have remained stubbornly wide 
over the last three decades.
  However, our Nation's Catholic schools and the dedicated teachers who 
serve in them have kept the achievement gaps from growing even wider. 
Indeed, some data indicates that one in four Catholic school students 
are from underprivileged backgrounds. Coupled with the fact that 
approximately 95 percent of Catholic school students graduate, and 83 
percent of these students go on to pursue a higher education, it is 
clear that Catholic schools are very successful in educating all 
students who enter their doors.
  As Sol Stern wrote in a column entitled ``The Invisible Miracle of 
Catholic Schools,'' in the City Journal, ``Catholic schools are already 
transforming the lives of thousands of poor black and Hispanic 
children, many of whom are not Catholic. Catholic educators have 
remained committed to the ideal that minority children can share in, 
and master, our civilization's intellectual and spiritual heritage.''
  In addition, the number of students enrolled in Catholic schools who 
are not of the Catholic faith is over 13 percent. These students come 
from a wide variety of faiths and have chosen to attend a Catholic 
school. This is especially true for inner-city schools, where in some 
cases the majority of students enrolled are non-Catholic. Catholic 
schools and their educators have had tremendous success in reaching out 
to all students and their parents who are seeking the best possible 
education for their children.
  So today, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of 
this resolution and congratulate Catholic schools for the job they are 
doing in helping to educate all our Nation's children.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my 
strong support for H. Res. 26, a resolution recognizing the valuable 
contributions of Catholic Schools.
  This week marks the 29th Anniversary of National Catholic Schools 
Week, a week dedicated to honor the achievements and successes of 
Catholic Schools throughout the U.S. More than 2.6 million children are 
enrolled in the 8,114 Catholic Schools in our country.
  As Pope John Paul II said, ``. . . the purpose of Catholic Education 
is to communicate Christ to you, so that your attitude toward others 
will be that of Christ.'' A Catholic education

[[Page H146]]

challenges students through a combination of high standards, strong 
motivation, effective discipline, and an emphasis on personal 
responsibility. It is an education that goes beyond preparation for a 
secular life; it is an education that prepares students for a Christian 
life.
  Placing a premium on both academic standards and moral responsibility 
has proven to be a successful formula for Catholic schools. Consider 
the following facts. Catholic school student test performance in the 
three grade levels of the National Assessment of Educational Progress 
exceeds public school test results by an average of 4.5 percent in 
math, 4.8 percent in science, and 12.5 percent in reading. Only 3 
percent of Catholic school students drop out of school, compared to a 
14 percent dropout rate in public schools. In addition, 83 percent of 
Catholic highs school graduates go on to college, as compared to 52 
percent of public high school graduates.
  Children do not form their core moral values on the sole basis of 
what schools teach them. Learning a respect for life and respect for 
the rights of others does not just start at school. It starts at home. 
Accordingly, the Catholic school curriculum recognizes parents and 
family as primary educators and seeks to foster a shared vision among 
the two. As the father of four children who have attended Catholic 
schools, I know that Catholic schools strive to create a special bond 
between families and educators. Schools and families work hand-in-hand 
reinforcing family values, ethical behavior, social responsibility, and 
academic achievement.
  There are more than 167,000 men and women who constitute our Catholic 
school faculty nationwide. Lay men and women represent 91 percent of 
the full-time equivalent teaching staff in Catholic elementary schools 
and 92 percent in middle schools. Parents know that the job of a good 
school teacher is not an easy one. The teachers and staff in our 
Catholic Schools are allies and supporters in helping parents instill 
solid moral lessons in our children. They deliver a curriculum that 
accentuates academic aptitude and moral responsibility. The Catholic 
school family--the teachers, administrators, librarians, and support 
staff--are all working every day to help parents rear and prepare 
America's next generation of leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, learning in a religious setting is not for everyone and 
America's public school system is critical to providing educational 
opportunities for all. We must continue to vigorously support our 
public schools at both the Federal and local levels. At the same time, 
however, we should support those who seek the benefits of Catholic 
school and choose a religious setting as the best educational 
environment for their children. In effect, parents of Catholic school 
children pay twice--they pay their fair share of taxes necessary to 
support the public school system and they pay tuition at the school 
their children attend. I urge my colleagues to join me in addressing 
this inherent unfairness and work for the passage of a tuition tax 
credit program--some time this year--as the best way to help offset the 
double payment endured by those who send their children to Catholic 
schools.
  In the interim, Mr. Speaker, as we work for passage of a tuition tax 
credit, all members can and should vote today for the passage of H. 
Res. 26 which appropriately recognizes the valuable contributions of 
Catholic schools across the Nation.
  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
celebrate the many accomplishments of Catholic schools. On January 26 
the annual weeklong national recognition of Catholic schools began 
across the Nation. I am proud to have several of the nation's high 
achieving Catholic schools in my district in metropolitan Kansas City, 
Missouri. As a former educator I understand the importance of 
recognizing the achievements of education throughout our Nation, and I 
welcome this opportunity to applaud the Catholic school community 
nationwide.
  For 165 years, the Catholic schools of the Kansas City Diocese have 
prepared thousands of competent young adults fully for lives as 
productive citizens. There are over 40 Catholic education centers in 
metropolitan Kansas City, and they are all known for their high 
academic standards and rigorous educational instruction. These centers 
currently serve 14,000 students in my district. Every day over 1,000 
dedicated faculty offer the guidance and instruction that make these 
students some of the best the Nation has to offer. Not only do the 
metropolitan Kansas City Catholic schools promote excellence in the 
classroom, they also encourage community service. In the first semester 
of this school year, our 14,000 students offered 87,978 hours of 
service to their communities by working to combat hunger and to provide 
care for the elderly.
  One of the brightest educational beacons in the Kansas City Diocese 
is St. Elizabeth School in Kansas City. They are recipients of the 
prestigious Blue Ribbon Award from the United States Department of 
Education. The award recognizes St. Elizabeth's for exceeding local, 
State, and national education goals. I participated in the announcement 
of this award and was overjoyed to see the level of excellence embodied 
throughout the school. They expressed their gratitude by giving me a 
remembrance of our day together: a Kelly green sweatshirt that I 
cherish, especially in St. Patrick's Day parades.
  St. Teresa's Academy, another blue ribbon school of excellence in my 
community, is the oldest school and women's institution in Kansas City. 
The school was founded and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of 
Carondelet who, since their founding in the 17th century in France, 
have been in the forefront of preparing young women for the future.
  I had the pleasure of accompanying the Secretary of Education, 
Roderick Paige, to St. Francis Xavier School in Kansas City, St. 
Francis is one of the seven Central City Catholic Schools established 
by the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph to provide 
educational support to children of the urban core of Kansas City. It 
serves a diverse population of students, some of whom are Catholic, but 
all come to receive their outstanding educational instruction offered 
as a part of the St. Francis Xavier curriculum. There is also a 
commitment to serving the whole child. More than half of the students 
at St. Francis qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school also 
participates in partnership with community organizations, including the 
Rockhurst University School of Education for teacher and parent 
training; Rockhurst High School in establishing a ``Middle School 
Academy'' to align curriculum, share resources, and setting up a 
mentoring program; and Young Audiences, to enrich the curriculum 
through the arts by having visual and performing artists work with 
teachers. St. Francis is part of the President's Service alliance and 
all students are required to perform community service. St. Francis 
students get real life experiences as part of their curriculum through 
partnerships the teachers establish with the community. The students 
also have a connection to students in the global society fostering the 
development of cultural awareness.
  I have also visited St. Thomas More School for a presentation by 6th 
Graders on the Federal minimum wage. This was part of a class project 
titled ``That is Not Fair,'' a program which emphasizes social justice 
issues. I was accompanied by Brigid Flanigan, principal; Leanna 
Kilgore, Cindy Rapp, Barbara Mingori, and Paula Pawlewicz, 6 grade 
teachers; Ann Harbin, facilitator of the ``That's Not Fair program; and 
Michael Poulin, social justice program coordinator. After listening to 
the presentation and hearing the students' hopes and aspirations of the 
future I challenged the students to reach high and achieve their goals. 
With the first rate education provided by St. Thomas More and 
throughout the Kansas City Diocese, there is no question that they will 
be prepared to do just that.
  Mr. Speaker, these are but a few of the Catholic schools in 
metropolitan Kansas City which play an important role in gifting 
students with the abilities to excel academically, socially, and 
civically. And I ask all of my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
legacy and the bright future of the Catholic schools in the 5th 
District of Missouri and of the Nation.
  Mr. FERGUSON. I rise today in support of our Nation's Catholic 
schools and the record of excellence they hold in our children's 
education.
  I believe our most profound responsibility is to ensure that every 
child has a first-class education, that no child is left behind and 
that all students share in the pride and promise of educational 
opportunity--Catholic education provides that opportunity.
  As a former student at the University of Notre Dame and a former 
teacher at Mount Saint Michael's Academy in the Bronx, NY, I know the 
benefits Catholic schools and universities provide to students in 
America.
  Our children deserve the best schools in the world; they deserve 
schools that will help them meet the challenges of tomorrow. That is 
why I'm pleased with the bipartisan support H. Res. 26, ``Honoring our 
Catholic Schools,'' is receiving from my colleagues in the House today.
  America's student dropout rate is increasing at an alarming pace. But 
our Nation's Catholic schools have given a diverse group of students 
the inspiration, environment and counsel they need to stay in school. A 
tribute to the strength and quality of a Catholic school education is 
the 95 percent graduation rate among Catholic high school seniors.
  America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for 
providing small classrooms averaging 15 students, where each student 
can have the attention they need to achieve their future goals. 
America's Catholic schools also graduate a record 83 percent of 
students who go on to college.
  I believe that while we call for higher standards in our Nation's 
schools, we must also

[[Page H147]]

recognize those schools that are providing the education America's 
students need to succeed. I am pleased to join with my colleagues in 
honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. After all, our children 
are our country's most precious resource.
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
annual celebration of ``Catholic Schools Week.'' Each year, the 
National Catholic Educational Association and the United States 
Catholic Conference sponsors a week-long celebration recognizing the 
outstanding educational contributions of America's Catholic schools. 
Catholic schools locally and nationally will mark this festive occasion 
by hosting many community, parish and school events.
   In Pennsylvania alone, Catholic elementary and secondary schools 
educate approximately 240,000 students yearly. These schools operate 
with complete devotion to each and every student, providing them with 
solid values and academic skills needed in becoming responsible 
citizens of Pennsylvania and the Nation. Catholic institutions tout a 
95 percent graduation rate, and 83 percent of Catholic school graduates 
pursue higher degrees--a very impressive statistic.
   Not only do Catholic schools boast these high standards and 
excellent achievements, but fervently instill in their students the 
idea and necessity for commitment to family and the community. Most, if 
not all, Catholic students willingly provide countless hours of 
volunteer service to the local parish as well as the entire community. 
This only proves that Catholic school students are strongly dedicated 
to their faith, values, family and community.
   Not long ago, President Bush signed into law a comprehensive 
education reform package emphasizing accountability, local control and 
flexibility, expanded options for parents, and funding for effective 
programs. Given Catholic schools' record of success and standard of 
excellence, it is only fitting that these private institutions continue 
to serve as a model for public education reform in America.
   Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate and 
express great appreciation to the Nation's Catholic schools on the 
occasion of ``Catholic Schools Week.'' I especially salute the many 
Catholic school teachers, principals, and school administrators in the 
18th Congressional District of Pennsylvania for their hard work and 
dedication which has benefited so many young people. My best to all the 
students in their continuing academic careers and future endeavors.
  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution to 
honor the contribution of Catholic schools.
  Catholic schools play an important role in my district on Long Island 
and across the country in educating not only Catholics, but also many 
non-Catholic and minority students. Schools such as St. Anthony's 
Huntington, the Academy of St. Joseph in Brentwood, St. Dominic in 
Oyster Bay, St. John the Baptist in West Islip, and others throughout 
Long Island are models of educational excellence.
  With limited budgets, but with unlimited devotion, the teachers and 
administrators provide a real public service--focusing on developing 
the heart, mind and spirit of their students. With a 95 percent 
graduation rate and 83 percent of students continuing on to higher 
education, their valuable service is more than evident.
  I rise to support their role today and urge my colleagues to support 
this resolution commending the contribution of Catholic schools.
   Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
26 honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. My 18th 
Congressional District in Houston has a number of outstanding Catholic 
schools that have contributed to the well being and education of 
thousands of students.
   Catholic schools ensure a broad-based education for students in 
elementary grades. This education includes the emphasis on character, 
values, and moral development. More than 26 percent of school children 
enrolled in Catholic schools nationwide are minorities. In minority 
communities, Catholic schools serve a special purpose--they integrate 
students into a moral and spiritual doctrine that carries lifelong 
benefits.
   This weekend, I attended a celebration in my district at the St. 
Philip Neri Catholic Church. The church has an exemplary school for 
students pre-kindergarten through the 5th grade. The school was founded 
more than 30 years ago.
   I support the goals of Catholic Schools Week and congratulate the 
schools, students, parents, and teachers for their ongoing 
contributions to education. Catholic schools have played a key role in 
educating our students. Catholic schools have long been dedicated to 
teaching a diverse group of students, and I applaud their work. As we 
continue to seek methods to reform our nation's schools, Catholic 
schools serve as a model for discipline, for a broad-based education, 
and for values. Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for 
their academic excellence. I strongly support H. Res. 26 and the 
accomplishments of Catholic schools everywhere.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 
26, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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